Interspinous process fusion device and method of use

Abstract

The present invention discloses an interspinous process fusion device, a method of fabricating the interspinous process fusion device, and a surgical method for maintaining a space between two spinous processes in a spine of a patient using the fusion device. The interspinous process fusion device including a distal tip member, a middle plate, a proximal plate, an elongate member, and a plurality of movable wings. The elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end. The distal tip member is connected to the first end of the elongate member, the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the elongate member, and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis to form the interspinous process fusion device assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An interspinous process fusion device, the device comprising:
 a distal tip member; 
 a middle plate; 
 a proximal plate; 
 an elongate member having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; 
 a plurality of movable wings, wherein the distal tip member is connected to the first end of the elongate member and the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the elongate member and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis to form the interspinous process fusion device assembly; and 
 a locking mechanism inserted into a center opening in the elongate member along the longitudinal axis and coupled to the distal tip member. 
 
     
     
       2. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first actuation channel positioned proximal the elongate member and wherein the first actuation channel includes an opening in the proximal plate and passes through the proximal plate, middle plate, plurality of movable wings, and into the distal tip member; and 
 a second actuation channel positioned distal the elongate member and wherein the second actuation channel includes an opening in the proximal plate and passes through the proximal plate, middle plate, plurality of moveable wings, and into the distal tip member. 
 
     
     
       3. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a first actuation screw inserted into the first actuation channel and having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the distal tip member is connected to the first end of the first actuation screw and the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the first actuation screw and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis; and 
 a second actuation screw inserted into the second actuation channel and having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the distal tip member is connected to the first end of the first actuation screw and the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the first actuation screw and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       4. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 3 , wherein the first actuation screw is coupled to the plurality of movable wings on a proximal side of the interspinous process fusion device and the second actuation screw is coupled to the plurality of movable wings on a distal side of the interspinous process fusion device. 
     
     
       5. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 4 , wherein the first actuation screw and second actuation screw engage the plurality of movable wings to adjust the angulation of the plurality of movable wings relative to the proximal plate, middle plate, and distal tip member. 
     
     
       6. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of movable wings include at least one means for fixation. 
     
     
       7. The interspinous process fusion device of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one means for fixation is selected from the group consisting of sharpened protrusions, spikes, teeth, pins, and a heightened surface iteration.